
Who is Brian Tyree Henry? Brian Tyree Henry is an American actor best known for his role as Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles in the hit TV series "Atlanta." Born on March 31, 1982, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he has made a significant impact in both television and film. Did you know he earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway play "Lobby Hero"? Beyond acting, Henry's voice brought life to Jefferson Davis in the animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." From his early days at Morehouse College to his rise in Hollywood, Brian Tyree Henry's journey is filled with fascinating milestones. Ready to learn more about this versatile actor? Let's dive into 38 intriguing facts about Brian Tyree Henry!
Early Life and Education
Brian Tyree Henry's journey to stardom began with humble roots and a solid educational foundation. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life and education.
- 01Born on March 31, 1982, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Brian Tyree Henry grew up in a military family.
- 02His mother, Willow Dean Kearse, was an educator, which likely influenced his appreciation for learning.
- 03Henry attended Morehouse College, a historically black men's college in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 04Initially, he studied business administration before switching to drama, following his passion for acting.
- 05He later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, one of the most prestigious acting programs in the United States.
Breakthrough Role and Career Highlights
Brian Tyree Henry's career took off with a series of remarkable performances that showcased his versatility and talent. Let's delve into some key moments.
- 06His breakthrough role came in 2016 when he starred as Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles in the critically acclaimed TV series "Atlanta."
- 07For his role in "Atlanta," Henry received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
- 08He made his Broadway debut in 2011 in the play "The Book of Mormon," which won several Tony Awards.
- 09Henry appeared in the 2018 film "Widows," directed by Steve McQueen, where he played a supporting role alongside Viola Davis.
- 10He voiced the character Jefferson Davis in the animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018).
- 11Henry starred in the 2019 film "Joker," playing a clerk at Arkham State Hospital.
- 12He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2021, portraying Phastos in "Eternals."
Awards and Nominations
Brian Tyree Henry's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.
- 13He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in "Lobby Hero" (2018).
- 14Henry won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play for "Lobby Hero."
- 15He earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in "This Is Us" (2017).
- 16In 2019, he was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Atlanta."
- 17Henry received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for "Widows."
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond the screen and stage, Brian Tyree Henry has a rich personal life and diverse interests that shape who he is.
- 18He is known for his deep, resonant voice, which has become one of his trademarks.
- 19Henry is an advocate for mental health awareness, often speaking about the importance of mental well-being.
- 20He has a close friendship with his "Atlanta" co-star Donald Glover, who also created the show.
- 21Henry enjoys reading and often shares book recommendations with his fans on social media.
- 22He is a fan of hip-hop music, which influenced his portrayal of Paper Boi in "Atlanta."
- 23Henry has a pet dog named Roscoe, who frequently appears in his social media posts.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Brian Tyree Henry that might surprise you.
- 24He once worked as a waiter in New York City before his acting career took off.
- 25Henry is a huge fan of the TV show "The Golden Girls" and often references it in interviews.
- 26He has a tattoo of a paper airplane on his wrist, symbolizing his role as Paper Boi in "Atlanta."
- 27Henry has a knack for accents and dialects, which he often showcases in his roles.
- 28He is an avid video gamer and enjoys playing games in his downtime.
- 29Henry has expressed interest in directing and hopes to helm a project in the future.
- 30He is a supporter of various charitable organizations, including those focused on education and the arts.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
Brian Tyree Henry continues to take on exciting new projects, expanding his impressive body of work.
- 31He starred in the 2020 film "Superintelligence" alongside Melissa McCarthy.
- 32Henry appeared in the 2021 film "Godzilla vs. Kong," playing Bernie Hayes, a conspiracy theorist.
- 33He is set to star in the upcoming film "Bullet Train" with Brad Pitt.
- 34Henry will reprise his role as Jefferson Davis in the sequel to "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."
- 35He is involved in the production of the TV series "Class of '09," where he plays a lead role.
- 36Henry has been cast in the film adaptation of the novel "The Woman in the Window," directed by Joe Wright.
- 37He is working on a new project with director Barry Jenkins, known for "Moonlight."
- 38Henry continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, with many more exciting roles on the horizon.
Brian Tyree Henry: A Star on the Rise
Brian Tyree Henry's journey from theater stages to Hollywood screens is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility as an actor shines through in every role, whether he's playing a comedic character or a dramatic lead. With standout performances in "Atlanta," "If Beale Street Could Talk," and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," he's proven his talent time and again. Beyond his acting chops, Henry's dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences make him a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. As he continues to take on new and challenging roles, there's no doubt we'll be seeing much more of him. Keep an eye on Brian Tyree Henry; his star is only getting brighter.
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